Samuel L. Jackson in Talks for New J.J. Abrams Film Featuring Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Mackey

While Christopher Nolan is currently assembling the cast for his enigmatic upcoming film, he's not the sole prominent filmmaker gathering stars for a secretive project. Five years after directing Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker, J.J. Abrams is gearing up for a fresh, original venture. Having already secured Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Mackey for lead roles, it seems the Super 8 director has added another major name to the lineup — Samuel L. Jackson.

According to Deadline, Jackson — who, like Abrams, has spent significant time in the Star Wars universe — is in talks to join the cast of Abrams' next film, an untitled Warner Bros. and Bad Robot collaboration. Details about Abrams' project at Bad Robot are scarce, except for the specific clarification that it's not a time-travel movie. Notably, Abrams is writing the script himself, marking his first fully self-written and directed film since Super 8 in 2011. As for Jackson's potential role, we can confirm he won't be reprising Mace Windu (probably), and that's about it.

Although details about Abrams' return to directing are limited (including when filming will commence), the movie promises a refreshing change for both the director and his stars, who have recently been involved in franchises, reboots, and sequels. How long Abrams will keep the details under wraps remains to be seen — after all, this is the creator of Lost. But whatever the project turns out to be, with this cast and this director, it's clear we'll be eager to grab tickets to see the latest J.J. Abrams creation.